1999 Catalina 400 vs 2013 Elan 350 — Comparison

1999 Catalina 4001999 Catalina 400
VS
2013 Elan 350

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1999 Catalina 4002013 Elan 350
General
ManufacturerCatalinaElan
Year1999–20062013–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerGerry DouglasRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA12.12 m (39.8 ft)10.67 m (35.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.46 m (11.4 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)6,100 kg (13,448 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.9 m² (720 ft²)58.0 m² (624 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1999 Catalina 400
15.89
2013 Elan 350
17.65
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1999 Catalina 400
41.03
2013 Elan 350
30.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1999 Catalina 400
0.75
2013 Elan 350
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1999 Catalina 400
18.97
2013 Elan 350
19.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1999 Catalina 400 and 2013 Elan 350 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Catalina 400 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2013 Elan 350 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1999 Catalina 400 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2013 Elan 350 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 1999 Catalina 400 measures 12.12m (39.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2013 Elan 350 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.46m beam. The 1999 Catalina 400 is 1.45m longer than the 2013 Elan 350. The 1999 Catalina 400 displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1999 Catalina 400 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.89 and 66.9 m² of sail area. The 2013 Elan 350, with an SA/D of 17.65 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2013 Elan 350 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1999 Catalina 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2013 Elan 350 has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1999 Catalina 400 and 30.3% for the 2013 Elan 350, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1999 Catalina 400 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 2013 Elan 350 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2013 Elan 350 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2013 Elan 350 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1999 Catalina 400 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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